As Halloween approaches, pumpkin farms across Nova Scotia are bustling with activity, showcasing an impressive harvest that has left many growers pleasantly surprised. With the holiday just a day away, farmers are reporting a significant surplus of pumpkins this season, a stark contrast to the challenges faced in previous years.
Local farmer Danny Dill, who has been cultivating pumpkins for years, shared insights on this year’s crop. “It’s been a very busy year here, and the word on the pumpkin vine is that there have been a lot of pumpkins everywhere. It’s been an excellent growing season,” Dill remarked. He noted that many new growers have entered the market, which raises questions about competition and consumer demand in a region with a finite number of pumpkin buyers.
The abundance of pumpkins this year has led to a favorable market for consumers, with prices significantly lower than in past seasons. While the average price for a pumpkin in grocery stores across Nova Scotia hovers around $5, shoppers have spotted prices as low as $2 to $3 at various local farms.
Blake Jennings, the owner of Pumpkin Jungle in Masstown, echoed Dill’s sentiments about the fruitful harvest. Jennings described the ideal growing conditions this year, highlighting the balance of heat and regular rainfall that contributed to the successful yield. “There is a fine line for that perfect growing season. Lots of heat and 10-to-20 milliliters of rain every other week – that really is the perfect growing season,” Jennings explained.
This year’s harvest is particularly remarkable considering the struggles faced in 2023, when Dill lost thousands of pumpkins due to flooding. The current yield, he reports, is up by 110%, marking one of the best seasons since 2019.
As the Halloween deadline looms, many consumers are starting to feel the urgency to purchase their pumpkins. Jennings noted that there is a noticeable spike in sales as the holiday approaches, as many people tend to wait until the last minute to buy their pumpkins. “The last couple of days before Halloween, there’s quite a rush of people looking for pumpkins,” he said.
For many residents in the Maritimes, the tradition of pumpkin picking is more than just a seasonal activity; it’s an experience that families cherish. Steven Raley, a Windsor resident, shared his family’s long-standing tradition of visiting local farms for pumpkins. “We have always come here to get pumpkins and stuff,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the experience over the cost.
With an ample supply of pumpkins and a growing interest in local agriculture, Nova Scotia’s farmers are optimistic about the future. The current surplus not only benefits consumers looking for affordable pumpkins but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of local farmers in the face of changing agricultural conditions.
As Halloween draws near, the excitement surrounding pumpkin picking continues to grow, making it a festive time for families and farmers alike. Whether for carving, cooking, or simply decorating, the pumpkins of Nova Scotia are sure to play a central role in the celebrations this year.
